Juul to Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Underage Use of E-Cigarettes

The companies, which include gas station convenience stores in both in and Kentucky, have received warning letters. Among those being warned were Mode E Cigarettes in Blackwood, N.J., and Top Line Vapor in Somerdale N.J.

The FDA is requesting from Juul Labs: documents related to product marketing; research on the health, toxicological, behavioral or physiologic effects of the products, including youth initiation and use; whether certain product design features, ingredients or specifications appeal to different age groups; and youth-related adverse events and consumer complaints associated with the products.

It looks like a flash drive but is actually a discreet way to vape or inhale liquid nicotine, and it's become extremely popular with teens across the country and in the Richmond area. Parents, teachers and principals say they are struggling to control the booming trend.

"People do it in the bathrooms during class change or during class", said another student. "We are cognizant of the recent spate of media reports suggesting a rise in teen use of e-vapor products, referred to in the FDA statement, and appreciate public concern".

Although the four steps announced by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb in a new youth tobacco prevention plan apply to other e-cigs, the focus clearly was on Juul. Similar brands are sold under the names of myblu and KandyPens.

That's the sales pitch made by Juul and many other e-cigarette manufacturers: "Juul delivers nicotine satisfaction akin to a cigarette in a format that's as simple and easy to use", states the company's website. That's up from just 5 percent of the market in 2016.

Despite the fact that it's illegal for minors under the age of 18 to use the Eau Claire City-County Health Department says the Juul pod is still particularly popular among the youth population.

Cleveland19 reached out to Juul Labs. Its age verification system searches public records and sometimes requires customers to upload a photo ID.

The San Francisco company said the initial investment will fund research on vaping and the formation of an expert panel to combat underage use of Juul.

Conley said having Miller, the Iowa attorney general, involved, "should send a signal to genuine public-health advocates that Juul is very serious about preventing youth access to its products".

"By taking one look at a JUUL advertisement, it's abundantly clear they have dusted off Big Tobacco's old marketing playbook and are obviously trying to market their products to our children and teens", Durbin said in the release. There is no such federal law, although a few states and cities, including California and New York City, have enacted that rule.

E-cigarettes have grown into a $4 billion industry in the US despite little research on their long-term effects, including whether they are helpful in helping smokers quit cigarettes. A Juul "starter kit" can be ordered online for $49.99.

"Our high school seniors are vaping at a rate 31% higher than the national norm", said Whitsett. "I think my generation has been educated on what's in a cigarette, the poisons and whatnot". "Keeping e-cigarettes on the market without first evaluating them is putting an entire generation of young people at risk of addiction".

Lawmakers have been pressuring the FDA to take a harder look at the role of vaporizers and electronic cigarettes, as the US slashes smoking rates. However, he said he took action immediately to prevent any further underage sales. The coalition recently filed a lawsuit to compel the FDA to act quicker in implementing regulations on innovative tobacco and nicotine products.